British Columbia pledges $10M to improve mine safety

VANCOUVER – British Columbia is investing more money in mine safety and a streamlined mining permit process across the province.

Premier Christy Clark announced a nearly $10 million budget increase for the Ministry of Mines and Energy while speaking at a mineral exploration conference in Vancouver.

The premier says the funding will allow for more mine inspections and the creation of a mine permitting office, tasked with streamlining the mine review process.

The announcement comes in the wake of last year’s tailing pond breach at the Mt. Polley gold and copper mine in B.C.’s Interior that sent millions of tonnes of mine waste into nearby streams and rivers.

The premier says up to 10 new mines are expected to go ahead in the province in the next few years and the new funding will make sure that the permit process is improved.

Clark repeated her call for B.C. residents employed in Alberta’s oil fields to come home, where they’ll be needed to work in the province’s mining industry.